Facts About the Fear of Public Speaking
Do you spend sleepless nights worried about delivering an upcoming speech, then stumble through the whole thing feeling like your knees will buckle? You experience a real fear, which at times can be personally devastating, and limit your career potential.
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Features
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Normal nervousness about speaking in public makes you alert and more responsive to your surroundings. These qualities can help you speak better. On the other hand, the fear or phobia of pubic speaking causes you to become increasingly anxious, sometimes to the point the fear will not allow you to speak.
Significance
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If you work, your job may require that you make speeches or sales presentations. Shying away from these responsibilities because of fear could cause you to miss out on promotions and pay increases.
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Prevalence
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If you experience this anxiety, you are not alone. Dr. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin of the Mayo clinics says, "Fear of public speaking is a common phobia." In fact, the phobia, called glossophobia, appears on MSN's list of the top 10 phobias of 2010.
Solution
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Overcome your fear by being well organized, well versed in the subject and practicing before a presentation. Focus on the material instead of the audience. If your case is severe, see a physician. You could have a social phobia that requires medication or counseling.
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References
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